Having a grandmother who was a wardrobe mistress for the Waimate operatic society played a large part in Rebecca Guyton developing a creative streak … and a love of vintage clothing.
The 52-year-old has spent many years freelancing as a makeup artist, as well as tutoring makeup and now she’s looking to combine her loves in her career, thanks to SIT2LRN.
“Having always taken photos throughout my makeup career, I decided in 2018 to study full-time towards the New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 5) with SIT2LRN,” Rebecca said.
“This was a great course that led me to starting my own business combining makeup and photography, while also becoming a makeup tutor in Christchurch specialising in teaching special effects makeup.”
Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic affected her business, so during lockdowns and between jobs she returned to SIT2LRN and in 2021 completed the New Zealand Certificate in Interior Décor (Level 4).
“This was an amazing course with very knowledgeable and supportive facilitators. The content of the course was easy to understand and follow and allowed you to be creative with assignment briefs.”
The skills she’s learnt have enhanced her creative photography ideas by helping her understand in-depth colour concepts and combining furniture layouts and fabric textures to create photographic sets.
“I wouldn’t have had these extra skills if I hadn’t done the interior décor course.”
Continuing her tutoring work, she’s been able to develop her business and undertake more study, including starting SIT2LRN’s New Zealand Diploma in Photography (Level 6).
She’s also designing a space for a photography studio, as well as developing a business that connects to her love and obsession with vintage clothing, especially vintage wedding dresses, by hiring them out for photography or film shoots.
“SIT2LRN has been and is still a huge influence on my career. I plan to finish the photography course next year as well as hopefully start my final major course of study, SIT2LRN’s New Zealand Diploma in Interior Design (Residential) (Level 5)” Rebecca said.
“I did a lot of research as to the courses available and SIT2LRN offered the best options for my situation at the time, and still does. Being able to study at your own pace and having zero fees makes SIT2LRN a practical choice.”